This morning, The Theory of Everything earned 5 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The film tells the extraordinary story of renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde, the fellow Cambridge student who became his wife.

In 1963, shortly before his 21st birthday, Hawking was diagnosed with ALS. Doctors gave him just two years to live. However, despite his diagnosis and with Jane working beside him, he defied impossible odds and broke astounding new ground in medicine and science. In fact, Stephen Hawking is regarded as one of the most brilliant theoretical physicists since Einstein. He has more than a dozen honorary degrees, was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1982 and is a fellow of the Royal Society and a member of the US National Academy of Science.

Through his books, interviews and lectures, Hawking has made some profound and often humorous life observations. Here is just a smattering of his wisdom.

“For millions of years, mankind lived just like the animals. Then something happened which unleashed the power of our imagination. We learned to talk and we learned to listen. Speech has allowed the communication of ideas, enabling human beings to work together to build the impossible.”

“So next time someone complains that you have made a mistake, tell him that may be a good thing. Because without imperfection, neither you nor I would exist.”

“Although I cannot move and I have to speak through a computer, in my mind I am free.”

“We are all different, but we share the same human spirit. Perhaps it’s human nature that we adapt and survive.”

“People who boast about their IQ are losers.”

“I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years. I’m not afraid of death, but I’m in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.”

“One: remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two: never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it. Three: if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is rare and don’t throw it away.” (His advice for his 3 children.)

“Life would be tragic if it weren’t funny.”

“Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious, and however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”

“My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus.”

“It is a waste of time to be angry about my disability. One has to get on with life and I haven’t done badly. People won’t have time for you if you are always angry or complaining.”

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

“Science is not only a disciple of reason but, also, one of romance and passion.”

“Intelligence is the ability to adapt to change.”

“So Einstein was wrong when he said, “God does not play dice.” Consideration of black holes suggests, not only that God does play dice, but that he sometimes confuses us by throwing them where they can’t be seen.”

“My goal is simple. It is a complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all.”

“I have noticed even people who claim everything is predestined, and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.”